February is Black History Month, and our hospital’s history can be traced back to the early 1900s as the only medical institution serving Black community members in Jacksonville during that time. It was important to our predecessors to properly care for the Black community, and today, health equity remains an important area of focus for our enterprise.

In fact, diversity, inclusion and equity are key priorities at UF Health Jacksonville. A recent example of our commitment to diversity is the American Hospital Equity of Care Pledge we made, an initiative by the Institute for Diversity and Health Equity that seeks to eliminate health care disparities across the nation.

I know all of the faculty and staff at this organization will continue to work together to make UF Health an inclusive, welcoming place to work. It’s our duty and our mission to serve this community. The saying “think globally, act locally” means that, while issues exist beyond our control on a worldwide scale, we do have the power to act here. We have the opportunity to acknowledge our differences and be supportive, even if we do not fully understand another person’s perspective.

UF Health comprises people from many races and cultures who care for all patients by working collaboratively with respect and compassion for each other. The hospital’s Diversity Council and the UF Health Science Center’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access Advisory Council play key roles in helping to promote an inclusive culture of excellence throughout our enterprise. Together, the groups are creating opportunities to help all of us better understand one another and what we can do to ensure every person in our community receives the best possible care.

Thank you for your continued support in our efforts to improve health equity and for your dedication to providing excellent care to all of the patients at UF Health Jacksonville, regardless of race or cultural background.